How Often Should Your AC Be Recharged?

Is your air conditioner underperforming and putting out air that’s less than cool? If so, then you may just think your unit needs to be recharged with more refrigerant. The truth is, that’s typically not the case. Air conditioners typically never need to be recharged unless there’s something seriously wrong. This post from your HVAC contractor in Fair Oaks, CA will cover everything you need to know about recharging, and the ways you can ensure your air conditioner continuously pumps out cool, refreshing air.

Reasons air conditioners need to be recharged

Though your AC should never need it, there are a few scenarios in which you may need to call a professional to recharge the unit. Here are a few of those situations:

• Leaks: Refrigerant is kept in a sealed container in your unit. If that seal breaks for some reason, the refrigerant will leak out and will need to be replaced.
• Incorrect installation: Don’t trust just anyone to install your AC for you. We’ve seen many cases in which a novice incorrectly installs the unit, and causes a constant refrigerant leak.
• Theft: Sadly, some individuals will steal your AC refrigerant to get high.

What type of maintenance does my air conditioner need?

Like almost everything in your home, your AC unit needs regular maintenance to ensure it functions as it should. Perform these maintenance tasks, and your unit will work as expected for years to come:

• Change air filters: The air filter keeps your unit free and clear from debris and ensures that it works the way it’s supposed to. Change that air filter each month, or take it out and clean it off if you have a reusable one.
• Cleaning: The area around your air conditioner should always be kept nice and tidy. Though you can do this yourself, be sure to call a professional to clean it for you each spring or summer.
• Annual inspection: During this cleaning process, your HVAC technician will perform a thorough inspection to ensure everything looks and functions the way it should.

Is it time for a checkup?

So, does your unit need some professional help? The answer is most likely “yes”! If any of the points below apply to you, then it’s time to call an HVAC technician:

• Change of seasons: Since the spring is typically the first time of year that you’ll need to use your AC, it’s generally a good time to call for an inspection and a tune-up.
• High energy costs: Without that tune-up, you may start to notice that your cooling bills are slowly getting more expensive. Nip that in the bud by calling for an inspection today!
• Poor performance: As we’ve learned, you typically can’t blame poor performance on a lack of refrigerant. Get the most out of your AC unit by having it inspected and tuned up right away.

If your AC isn’t working as well as it used to, it probably doesn’t need to be recharged. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t call an HVAC contractor in Fair Oaks, CA to come out and take a look at it! Pick up the phone and reach out to Cassel Air Conditioning and Heating Service today to schedule an inspection and annual maintenance.

Categorised in: HVAC Contractor

This post was written by Writer